Golden Gate Bridge Walkway Closure Slows Cyclists, Scares Walkers

A bicyclist rides his bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – A battle is starting to heat up again between pedestrians and bicyclists who like to stroll or ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. Like they were last year for a time, both groups have again been forced to share a single walkway while work is being done to fix the other access point.

Up until mid-January walkers and joggers would use the east side of the bridge, and cyclists would use the west crossing. However, the west side of the bridge is under construction through March, and possibly into April.

KCBS’ Mark Seelig Reports:

Pedestrians in particular have said that they’re worried about their safety as cyclists zoom by them.

”Yes, the closure is unfortunate,” said Mary Currie, bridge district spokeswoman.

She said that signage is now up asking peddlers to stay closest to the road, and pedestrians to stay closest to the railing. That seemed to help during last summer’s closure. In fact, Currie said that bike accidents were noticeably down during that stretch of time.

”That was in large part because everyone was forced to go more slowly and collaborate for the use of the space,” said Currie.

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